Upper G.I.  
An upper GI series is an X-Ray exam of your upper digestive tract (the area from your mouth to the start of your small intestine). This test helps your doctor find any problems such as ulcers, tumors, and certain diseases. There’s a small amount of radiation with an upper GI series. But the benefits of this test far outweigh any risks.

The success of your upper GI series depends on you. Stop eating and drinking the night before your test and follow all prep instructions. Food in your system could cause your doctor to cancel the test or misread the results. If you need to take medicine, make sure your doctor knows. Also, try not to smoke the morning of the test. An upper GI series takes about an hour, but you’ll need extra time to check in.

  Let the technologist know about:
    • Allergies you may have
    • When you last ate or drank
    • You’re pregnant or think you may be
    • Any previous surgery
    • Medications you take
 
Barium Enema
A barium enema is an X-Ray exam of your rectum and colon (lower digestive tract). This test helps your doctor detect problems such as a blockage, a tumor, polyps, or other disorders. There’s a small amount of radiation with a barium enema. But the benefits of this test far outweigh any risks.

Follow all prep instructions given you. Your test may need to be canceled if you don’t. You may have to switch to a liquid diet over a couple of days. On the night before the test, you’ll have to stop eating completely. You also may be given instructions on how to use suppositories, laxatives, or an enema. This preparation is to clean your colon before the test. A barium enema takes about an hour. But you’ll need extra time to check in.

  Let you technologist know about:
    • Symptoms you may have been experiencing
    • Allergies
    • Any previous surgery
    • Medications you take
    • You’re pregnant or think you may be
    • You ate or drank before the test
    • You didn’t finish preparing for the test
 
I.V.P.
An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) is an x-ray exam of your urinary tract (kidneys, ureters and bladder). This test can help you find stones or other problems with your urinary tract. There’s a small amount of radiation with an IVP. But the benefits of this test far outweigh any risks.

 
The success of an IVP depends on you. You’ll receive instructions to follow on what to eat and drink before the test. You may be asked to take a laxative the night before your IVP. Follow your prep instructions carefully; your test may need to be canceled if you don’t. An IVP takes about an hour. But you’ll need extra time to check in.

  Let your technologist know about:
    • Allergies
    • Previous kidney or bladder problems
    • Diabetes medication you take
    • Any previous surgery